For the second literary circle, our group read section 2 of The Short Bus. A theme that is becoming common throughout this book is accepting who you are and embracing your differences. Each new person Jonathan interviews teaches him more and more about acceptance. Each person talks about their disabilities, how they are treated differently by others, and the struggles they face in life, but they all end by explaining how they don't let their differences get them down or hold them back in life. One part that stood out to me in this section was Coleman, or Cookie's, life story. I found it sad how just because Cookie acted differently than everyone else, the town thought he must have some type of mental problem. There was even a myth that he was strangled by his umbilical cord as a baby which is what resulted in his problem, but it was never proven. I am glad Miriam was so accepting of Cookie when others were not. I was always raised to be kind and accepting of everyone, so it just shocks me how rude some people can be towards certain people. Despite everyone else's thoughts and rumors Cookie was still content with his life. He dressed the way he pleased, lived in the conditions he was comfortable in, and even started writing a book. In his earlier days, Cookie was teased and made fun of at school and called very harsh names, but he stayed strong throughout it all and learned to accept himself even when others don't. As I read through this book, it becomes more eye opening with every story. Hearing the stories first hand from the tellers themselves really puts a new perspective on their problems. Sometimes you don't realize just how hurtful simple words or actions can be.
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